So, You Want to Become a Nurse?

1. Look in Your Area
   First things first: check out nursing programs near you. Programs can vary by location, type (ADN, BSN, MSN), and availability. Your financial situation and career goals will factor into this decision, but also consider your prior education (e.g., college credits or another degree). This will affect both your timeline and the financial investment you’ll make. Some programs offer accelerated paths, so be sure to look for those if time is a factor.
   
2. Do Your Research!
   I learned the hard way that relying solely on your advisor or counselor can cost you both time and money. Spend time researching your options, including program requirements, curriculum, and future career prospects. While you don’t need to have your end goal figured out (it may change), think about where you see yourself in the next 5 years and choose a program that supports that vision. Don’t just focus on the next step—think ahead!
   
   Also, if you already have college credits or a degree in something else (like an associate’s or bachelor’s), it might make more sense to look into a BSN or MSN program instead of an ADN program. I made the mistake of not considering this when I already had a degree in another field, and I ended up wasting time and money. None of my counselors mentioned that a higher degree was an option for me, and I wish I’d known better. My philosophy is that, although these programs are helpful, they’re really out for themselves. Do your research and don’t make the same mistake I did if this applies to you.
   
3. Is Nursing Right for You?
   Many of us get into nursing because we’ve had a personal, impactful experience with healthcare—maybe a nurse helped a loved one, or you were inspired by a meaningful encounter. But before jumping in, ask yourself if nursing is really the right fit.
   
   1. Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment
      Nursing offers a deep sense of purpose. When you’re helping patients, you’re making a tangible difference in their lives. And you’re often there for them at some of their most vulnerable moments. The sense of fulfillment you get from that is incredibly rewarding.
      
   2. Responsibility and Empowerment
      As a nurse, you hold a significant amount of responsibility for your patients’ well-being. You’re trained to understand complex medical systems and, most importantly, advocate for your patients. This sense of empowerment comes with a lot of weight, and while it can be overwhelming at times, it can also make you feel incredibly fulfilled in your role.
      
   3. Stress Management and Coping Skills
      Nursing is a high-pressure field. You have to manage not only your own stress but also support your patients in stressful situations. If you tend to become flustered under pressure, nursing might be a bit harder for you—but that doesn’t mean you can’t thrive! Many nurses develop effective coping skills over time, so it’s something you can improve. It’s essential to learn how to manage stress to avoid making mistakes and to keep yourself and your patients safe.
      
   4. Willingness to Learn and Grow
      Nursing is all about constant learning—new skills, new treatments, and always staying updated on the latest research. If you enjoy challenges and are motivated to grow in your career, nursing can offer endless opportunities for growth and change. It’s also one of the most fulfilling fields to be a part of because you’ll always be helping people, no matter what area of nursing you’re in.
      

Nursing school is no joke—it’s tough, but oh-so-worth it. Here’s what you can expect:

1. The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done
   I’m not exaggerating when I say nursing school is intense. It will challenge you in ways you’ve never been challenged before, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Be prepared to invest time, energy, and lots of late nights into your studies. It’s not just about memorizing medical terms or learning procedures—it’s the sheer volume of material, the emotional toll of working with sick patients, and the physical exhaustion from long clinical shifts.

I found myself constantly juggling between studying, assignments, and clinicals, often feeling like I was dropping something. The pressure to perform was intense—every decision you make impacts someone’s health. I also struggled with sleep, often staying up late to study and waking up early for clinicals, running on caffeine and sheer willpower.

But despite all the challenges, it was incredibly rewarding. It pushes you to your limits, but if you stay focused, it’s worth every bit of effort.

1. Program Structure: ADN vs. BSN vs. MSN
   • ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing): Generally takes 2 years, including clinicals and a mixture of nursing and general education courses. It’s a fast track to becoming a nurse, but you may want to eventually pursue a BSN for career growth.
   • BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing): Typically takes 4 years and includes additional coursework in leadership, research, and public health. It’s more comprehensive and can open up more opportunities for advancement in your nursing career.
   • MSN (Master’s of Science in Nursing): If you want to specialize or move into advanced practice roles (such as Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator), this degree is the next step. These programs are more intensive but offer more career flexibility.
     

Here’s the nitty-gritty on getting into a nursing program:

1. Expect to Wait
   Most nursing programs require you to complete pre-requisite courses before applying. Once you’ve applied, expect to wait for an acceptance decision, which can take a year or more, depending on the program’s application cycle.
2. Be Ready to Have Your Pre-Requisites Done
   Try to complete all your pre-requisite courses before applying to the program. In addition, while you’re waiting for acceptance, check your nursing program’s online course curriculum to see if there are other non-nursing courses you can take during that time. By taking these courses before the program begins, you can focus all your energy on the nursing courses once you start the program. It’s essential because nursing courses require different study methods compared to general education courses, and you’ll want to dedicate your full focus to them without having to juggle multiple study strategies and manage your time for non-nursing courses.
3. Be Prepared for a Competitive Admissions Process
   Many programs rank applicants based on GPA and other factors (such as points for grades in pre-requisite courses). It’s not uncommon for nursing programs to be highly competitive, so strive to do well in all your courses to maximize your chances of being accepted. Here’s an example of how the point system might work:
   
   A’s = 2 points
   B’s = 1 point
   C’s = 0 points

The more “A”s you have, the higher your chances of acceptance. Stay focused, and aim for excellence in your coursework!

4.  ADN vs. BSN vs. MSN: What’s the Difference?

• ADN: Typically takes 2 years (including pre-requisite courses). More affordable but may limit career advancement options. This is a great option if you want to get started in the field quickly.
• BSN: Takes about 4 years and includes additional coursework in leadership and research. This can open more doors for career advancement and is often required for higher-level nursing roles.
• MSN: A great choice if you’re looking to specialize in a particular area or transition into roles like Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator. These programs are usually 2–4 years.
  

• Research local programs and decide what type of degree is best for your future.
• Nursing is a highly rewarding field but requires strong stress management and problem-solving skills.
• Be prepared for intense coursework and clinicals—nursing school will require a lot of your time and focus.
• Expect a competitive admissions process and plan your pre-requisites accordingly.
• Decide whether ADN, BSN, or MSN is right for you based on your career goals and financial situation.
• Once you graduate, you’ll be prepared to sit for the NCLEX and officially become a nurse!
  

Nursing is not an easy journey, but it’s one of the most fulfilling and impactful careers you can pursue. Whether you’re drawn to the profession for the opportunity to make a difference, the intellectual challenge, or the chance to grow, it’s a career that will provide lifelong learning and rewards. So, if you’re ready for the challenge, go ahead and take the leap—you’ve got this! Your journey toward becoming a nurse will be tough at times, but the difference you’ll make in people’s lives will be more than worth it. Keep pushing forward, and remember: You are capable, and the world needs compassionate nurses like you.